What trends are coming this summer?
From chaotic comfort to playful, purpose-driven drinks, discover the trends redefining summer in the food and beverage industry. At the heart of it all is a consumer seeking food that fits real life: functional yet fun, convenient yet elevated, nostalgic yet new. Each trend uncovers the deeper “why” behind today’s eating habits—and shows how smart brands are meeting those needs in bold, unexpected ways.
About this report
Food and beverage trends aren’t just changing—they’re accelerating. At Tastewise, we analyze millions of data points across social, recipes, menus, and retail to uncover not just what’s trending, but why it matters.
This Q3 report explores the biggest shifts shaping summer 2025: from the rise of winter flavors in summer to the evolution of nostalgic drinks with a wellness twist. You’ll see what’s driving these trends, where they’re gaining traction, and what they mean for your next move.
Built on real-time data and AI-powered analysis, this report gives you a clear, confident look at what’s next—before it hits the mainstream.
Ready to activate what’s trending? Get the full breakdown in your inbox by downloading the report below.
In this report
Cottage cheese’s comeback goes mainstream
Better-for-you swaps dominate the plate
Drinks get nostalgic and functional
Crunch becomes an innovation playground
The Trend:
2025’s Most Chaotic Comfort Flavor
Pickle has gone from gimmick to anchor—showing up in mocktails, matcha, and mood-boosting lemonades. Spicy, briny, and weirdly refreshing.
Why it matters
It’s functional, Gen Z-approved, and all over LTOs—from Sonic’s slushes to boutique café spritzers.
What to do
Reimagine sour. Layer pickle brine into hydration drinks, gut-friendly mocktails, and dual-flavor combos like pickle-strawberry or jalapeño-lime.
Think cinnamon iced lattes and frozen pumpkin smoothies. Off-season comfort is redefining summer indulgence.
Why it matters
Consumers want no-prep, emotionally soothing flavors—especially when it’s too hot to cook.
What to do
Freeze the familiar. Explore maple cold brews, tangerine creamsicles, and no-bake nostalgia snacks.
The Trend:
Winter in the Summer
The Trend:
Functional refreshment goes retro
Rootbeer floats. Hormone-supporting sodas. Matcha spritzers. Drinks are playful again—but loaded with purpose.
Why it matters
77% want benefits in beverages. Function is expected. Fun is demanded.
What to do
Lead with flavor, land with benefit. Your drinks should refresh and regulate.
Dubai chocolate triggered a new snack language—crunchy textures, frozen formats, and global flavor collisions. Think pistachio popcorn, rose-chocolate gelato, kataifi shells.
Why it matters
Texture is now part of the experience economy. People want food that’s loud, layered, and share-worthy.
What to do
Build indulgence with dimension. Use visual, audible, and tactile cues to turn snacks into moments that pop online—and off the shelf.
The Trend: